Volunteerism is often seen as a way to give back. But sometimes, its deepest impact lies in what it helps people let go of: assumptions, uncertainty, and narrow ideas of what inclusion should look like.
In Hong Kong, QI Group volunteers experienced this while supporting LoveXpress Foundation’s roller-skating programme for children with autism. The initiative became more than an opportunity to serve; it became a lesson in autism inclusion through volunteerism, showing how shared experiences can build confidence, trust, and understanding.
Through QI Group’s Employee Community Impact initiative, employees helped prepare equipment, guide families, and encourage children as they learned a new sport in a safe and supportive environment.
Supporting Autism Inclusion Through Volunteerism
Hong Kong is a fast-paced, highly competitive city where academic success, professional achievement, and social order are deeply valued. In such environments, neurodiversity can often be misunderstood. “In public spaces, there is often an expectation of quiet, predictable behaviour,” says Ivan, a senior accountant at QI Group.
Some volunteers entered the programme unsure of how best to interact with children on the spectrum. But stepping into that uncertainty became the first step towards challenging old assumptions.
“I wanted to support children with special education needs (SEN) in a meaningful and practical way,” says Tiger, a finance manager. “The focus on inclusion and confidence-building through sports felt meaningful to me.”
Finding Common Ground Through Sport
As the sessions progressed, the boundaries between “volunteer” and “beneficiary” began to fade. Through the shared challenge of learning to skate, volunteers and children found connection, patience, and trust. Volunteers were inspired seeing the children fully engaged, enjoying their favourite activities, and building friendships along the way.
The experience helped volunteers see autism not as something to be corrected, but as a different and valid way of experiencing the world.
“I feel that children with SEN aren’t difficult to communicate with. They just don’t know how to express their emotions,” says Candy, an assistant finance manager and mother of two. “I understand the difficulty of raising a kid, so I would like to help and support them.”
For Ivan, one moment captured the programme’s deeper meaning.
“Watching a child who was initially terrified to put on their skates finally take their first unassisted glide reminded me that progress isn’t always about speed. It’s about the courage to keep trying.”
Tiger also came away with a renewed perspective.
“People often misunderstand behaviours and label them as disruptive instead of different,” he says. “I now see that everyone has different strengths. A fair society should be respectful and inclusive.”
Building a More Inclusive Community
The experience left volunteers with a stronger commitment to autism inclusion, neurodiversity acceptance, and more compassionate community support.
“It taught me that ‘potential’ shouldn’t be measured against a standard,” says Ivan. “A truly fair society does not treat everyone the same, but one that provides specific support.”
Tiger believes early acceptance can help children build confidence, support better mental health, and create stronger future opportunities. Ivan agrees, noting that programmes like this help children develop the self-esteem they need for future employment and independence.
For Candy, inclusion begins with a simple human connection. “Go try to communicate with them in person. You can feel they are not different.”
By stepping beyond their comfort zones, QI’s volunteers allowed themselves to be changed by the children and families they met, gaining greater patience and empathy as they discovered unique strengths and learned to move at a different pace.
Unlearning stigma is not always comfortable. But through patience, empathy, and service, these volunteers are helping build a community where people are not measured by how well they conform, but by how fully they are embraced, supported, and empowered.
